William's Pov.
I led us to our reserved seats near the front, offering curt nods to familiar faces along the way. The auction was about to begin, and conversations began to fade as other people settled in.
But my mind wasn't here. It was stuck on the message I'd just received. The contents is something crucial, something that could either make or break my next investment. And it was all because of her.
Moon!
A shift beside me snapped me back. Damn it. I'd completely forgotten Clarrissa was with us.
She sat stiffly, eyes downcast, fingers twisting the edge of her short dress. The same look she had when I told her about the arranged marriage.
Back then, her anger had been unconcealed and loud. She didn't believe it at first, but once reality sank in, she had this exact same look—quiet and defeated. And now, here it was…again.
"William, how could you?" She asked. Her voice was soft, breaking in pieces. "You always said I am your first love, but you don't even look at me anymore. You are always looking at her. Do you… do you love her now?"
I scoffed, shaking off her words. "What? No way. I could never love her," I murmured, leaning in. Why would she think I love Moon? "It's you, Clarissa. It's always been you."
But she wasn't buying it. Her eyes stayed on mine, searching and doubting.
I lowered my voice. "Listen, we'll talk after this, okay? I'm sorry I'm giving you the wrong impression. Why don't after this auction ends, we'll talk more. Whatever you want —anything—I'll make it happen. Just wait until this is over, okay?"
I can't afford to give the audience a wrong impression that I'm having an affair with someone else. Not when Moon already told the press we aren't divorcing.
A slow smile tugged at her lips. She nodded, gripping my arm. "Okay. I'm holding you to that."
Seeing Clarissa smile, brought a familiar sense of warmth to my heart. She had been my love since our college days, the one I promised to marry.
But then, Moon came into my life and everything changed. Before I could say more, Moon's voice cut through, calm but firm.
"Look," she nodded towards the stage. "The auction is about to start."
The auctioneer strode onto the stage. He adjusted the microphone, his lips curling into a confident smile as he scanned the audience.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice carrying effortlessly through the grandhall. "It's a pleasure to welcome you all to tonight's exclusive event. Your presence here speaks volumes—about taste, about ambition, and, of course, about a deep appreciation for finer things in life."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd. I barely paid attention. I glanced at Moon, who sat still with an unreadable expression, her fingers lightly tapping against the armrest.
Meanwhile, Clarissa shifted closer to me, her familiar scent filling the air between us. A reminder of the comfort I once found in her presence before Moon waltzed into my life.
The auctioneer continued. "Tonight, we present a collection that promises to captivate, to inspire, and perhaps… to stir a little completion." His eyes sparkled with amusement. "So, without further ado, let's begin!"
The first item was unveiled with a dramatic flourish. A rare painting, centuries old, its colors rich and deep. Bids started slow, but soon, the numbers climbed.
I leaned back in my seat, half listening as Clarissa whispered in my ear, her voice honeyed with intrigue. "Exquisite, isn't it? But definitely not worth the price they're going for."
I nodded absently, distracted by my phone vibrating in my pocket. Another message. Damn it.
Item after item were presented—an antique vase, an elaborate diamond necklace. The numbers climbed higher, and so was the competition. It became fiercer.
However, Moon remained uninterested with a gaze distant, but that was until—
The assistant stepped forward, unveiling the next lot.
A male statue, sculpted with impeccable detail, and besides it, was a delicate bracelet encrusted with emeralds.
Before I could process it, Moon, who held a distant gaze, stiffened beside me. Her eyes widened, and for the first time that night, I saw something in her eyes. Something close to desperation.
"William," she whispered, leaning in urgently, "please. Buy them."
I blinked. "what?"
"The statue and the bracelet." Her voice wavered slightly. Her fingers clutched the edge of her seat. "Please."
I stared at her, incredulous. "You can't be serious."
She looked at me then, truly looked at me and there was something raw in the way she looked at me. "I need them."
I frowned, shifting uncomfortably. "I'm not wasting my money on a stupid statue, Moon."
The auctioneer's voice cut through our whispers. "Shall we start bidding at fifty thousand?"
Moon's fingers curled into fists, her knuckles white. I could see the way her chest rose and fell, the silent plea in her posture. And yet, I stayed silent. It wasn't my business. Let her see that I wouldn't be manipulated so easily.
Bidding started, and I watched her carefully with narrowed eyes. The higher the numbers climbed, the more her desperation grew. Her lips parted, her eyes darting from bidder to bidder.
Then without warning, she grabbed my bidding pad and raised it. "Eight hundred thousand dollars!"
A ripple of whispers swept through the room.
"Eight hundred thousand for a mere statue?"
"Just like how the Alexanders would act!"
"All in at eight hundred thousand," the auctioneer called, his gaze landing on us with an amused smile. "Going once… twice… and sold!"
I felt the heat rise in my chest, my jaws tightening. It wasn't about the money—I could afford it ten times over—but her. The audacity of her to do this!
Clarissas soft laugh by my side was like a knife to pride. "See?" she murmured, her eyes glinting with something I didn't like. "I told you. She's clinging to you for your wealth, William. You know I would never do that."
I didn't respond, but her words lingered, swirling in my head.
When the auction finally ended, an attendant approached, carrying the statue and the bracelet with reverence. Moon accepted them carefully. She held them like they meant something more than their price tag. I clenched my fists.
Outside, the cool night air did nothing to ease the simmering frustration inside me. I sent Clarissa home in another car, needing space. She didn't protest, only giving me a knowing smile before slipping inside the vehicle and waving me goodbye.
If there's one thing I loved about Clarissa, is the fact at how obedient, loving and kindhearted she was. Unlike Moon.
Once we were alone, I turned to Moon. "Get in," I ordered sharply, opening the car door. I thought she would throw a tantrum, but she didn't. She obeyed without a word.
Without waiting for Andrew, my driver, I shuffled into the front seat and sped away, his voice fading into the distance as he called to us.
The drive home was suffocatingly silent. My grip on the wheel tightened with every passing second.
The moment we stepped inside, I grabbed her arm, forcing her to face me. "Why, hmm?" My voice was low and dangerous.
"Why what?" She asked, her eyes looking too innocent.
"Ohhhh" I chuckled, a chuckle that held no mirth. Oh… She's now acting clueless. Her actions only fueled my anger.
"Why did you save my grandmother that day, huh? Was it to cling to me so that you could squander my money?"
She looked up at me, her eyes widening for a moment, and then the calm. Her calm and composed demeanor was back.
"I'll pay you back."
What? That's all she had to say? I scoffed. "With what money, hmm?"
"That's not your business," she said, trying to wriggle her arm off my hold, but I don't let her. "No meddling in each other's affairs, remember?"
I frowned, my anger spilling over. Was it true? What Clarissa said about being with another man or where was she going to get the money? I shook my head. That thought wasn't sitting pretty with me.
A muscle ticked in my jaw. "Don't forget your words, Moon!" I said, my tone clipped. "You better pay me back… and fast!"
She simply nodded, unfazed, like she already planned it all out. My chest tightened, with the knowledge that I didn't know how she was going to pay me back.
Letting go of her arm, I stormed out of the house and into my sports car before I did something I'd regret.
Back at my office, I sank into my chair, rubbing my temples as Clarissa's voice echoed in my mind, gnawing at the edges of my thoughts.
"She's after your money."
Moon was becoming more of an enigma than my wife. If she was truly after my money, then why did she agree to pay me back?
I shook it off. I can't doubt Clarissa. She had been my first love and she had never squandered my money the way Moon did.
Picking up my phone, I dialed her number. After the fourth ring, she picked up. I almost thought she wasn't going to answer.
I wanted to make it up to her. I wanted to make her happy. So I surprised her, fulfilling her long time fantasy. I could almost imagine her wrapping me into a tight hug if she was present.
Before I could say more, my assistant, Anderson knocked at the door. He looked grumpy. Waking him up at night to work. But if he hadn't known how unpredictable I am until now after working with me for so long, then it's all on him.
"Boss, your zoom meeting with Mr. Dalton is in ten minutes."
I nodded and waved him off. Hanging up, I leaned back in my plush leather chair, staring at my phone.
My eyes drifted to the message I had received back at the auction house.
Mr. Dalton…
I wonder why he had a change of heart. And what Moon had to do with his change of heart.
I needed answers, and I'll find out…
In ten minutes!